Compact, Flexible, and Transparent Antennas Based on Embedded Metallic Mesh for Wearable Devices in 5G Wireless Network

Compact, transparent, and flexible 5G multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and millimeter wave (mmW) array antennas with Ni-based embedded metallic mesh (EMM) nanotechnology are presented for the next-generation wireless communication in emerging applications, such as smart wearable devices, vehicle radars, and smart 5G remote devices. The EMM has the advantages of high conductivity, superior transparency, and mechanical stability. To simultaneously enhance the transparency and radiation efficiency, the selected structures of EMM are proposed and analyzed. The designed 5G MIMO antenna based on the EMM exhibits superior transparency of 93%, optimal radiation efficiency up to 85%, isolation above 20 dB, envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) under 0.005, and operation in 5G n79 band (4.4–5 GHz). The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated results. In addition, transparent and flexible 5G mmW arrays with a maximum gain of 9.6 dBi and a scanning angle of approximately ±75° are demonstrated in the 26 and 28 GHz bands.